Officials from Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics and The University of Texas at Tyler announced an agreement for Trinity Mother Frances Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to become the official health care sponsor of intercollegiate athletics at the university through 2017.

“Throughout our history, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics has sought to partner with organizations in East Texas who take an active interest in the health and fitness of our community,” said Ray Thompson, system chief operating officer, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics.

“The University of Texas at Tyler is a valued member of this community, and we are pleased to announce the association between us moving forward.”

Through a lengthy relationship between UT Tyler and Trinity Mother Frances, several TMF Hospital and Clinics team members have served in posts at the university including team physicians. For example, Dr. Cathy Fieseler and Dr. Allison Tobola offer medical care to the different UT Tyler teams from soccer to basketball.

“Dr. Tobola and I have served as team physicians for six years, and we have a strong connection to the athletics department, the student-athletes and the faculty and staff that give their time and energy at UT Tyler,” Dr. Fieseler said. “It has been our privilege to care for such exceptional young men and women through this institution.

“We are pleased that this agreement has further solidified the relationship between these two great organizations, and we look forward to continuing our work together in the future.”

Per the agreement, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics will provide the university with the aggregate amount of $100,000. The agreement includes official sponsorship designation, public address announcement, radio and Internet broadcast announcements, website and printed materials sponsorship placement, as well as signage and logo placement at UT Tyler athletic facilities.

“We have a great relationship with Trinity Mother Frances and this partnership is an excellent way to expand our affiliation. Trinity Mother Frances provides exceptional heath care services to the East Texas region, and we are proud to work together in the day-to-day care of our outstanding student-athletes,” said Dr. Howard Patterson, UT Tyler vice president for student affairs.